French President Emmanuel Macron has turned down Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s resignation after last weekend’s protests were marred by widespread violence and looting across France, broadcaster BFMTV reported.
Nunez submitted his resignation to Macron on Sunday amid mounting criticism over the authorities' handling of the unrest.
“I am the minister of the interior, I am responsible for everything that happens on the ground,” he told France Inter radio, explaining his decision to resign.
Nunez acknowledged a “loss of control” by police in some cities and admitted there had been a “lack of anticipation” in deploying available security forces.
However, the president decided to keep him in office, citing the need for continuity in the command of security forces during the current crisis, according to a statement from the Elysee Palace.
The nationwide demonstrations brought together students demanding better conditions in the French education system and residents protesting against the high cost of living and faltering public services.
More than half a million people took part in the protests on Saturday. Looting, arson and damage to property occurred in many cities, with masked rioters attacking town halls, police stations and other government buildings.
The unrest left nearly 1,000 law enforcement officers injured and resulted in approximately 2,400 arrests, according to official figures.
The government’s response has faced criticism from several local leaders, including the mayors of Paris, Marseille and Limoges.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said on Monday that about 30 shops had been targeted in the capital the previous day, describing the scenes as “unbearable.”
The violent weekend demonstrations followed weeks of protests by high school students against overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and underinvestment in education, the biggest youth-led protest movement in the country in recent memory.
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